Free! Main idea is a difficult concept for students to grasp. Before having students identify the main idea within text, have students determine the main idea of a group of words. Then, have students determine what supporting detail does not support the main idea of a paragraph.

These 8 reading passages are designed for 3rd grade or 4th grade students to read and determine the main idea. The practice is leveled so that one set of the reading passages has multiple choice answers, and the other set of task cards are free response (students must decide on the main idea independently).

The Puzzling Main Idea contains directions and materials needed for 5 different Main Idea Activities. They are tons of fun, hands-on, and a perfect continuation to Main Idea mini-lessons! The activities encourage whole class, partner/group, and independent work/critical thinking! If followed in order, the activities teach Main Idea first in a more concrete manner, allowing children to slowly be able to apply their new skills to more difficult tasks, and eventually to text.

Main Idea and Detail with Dirt Pudding {& a Freebie}

Teaching main idea and detail is hard but with this fun, interactive, and hands-on lesson it will get stuck in their head! This main idea activity will have your kiddos talking for days. There is also a FREEBIE!